Decent Group

It’s #NationalApprenticeshipWeek and we’re celebrating all the team members who first joined us as apprentices. We regularly recruit apprentices and are happy that every apprentice has been a brilliant addition to the Decent team. 👏 A special mention goes to Eilish Skeates who is our longest serving apprentice, having joined the team over 8 years ago. Read more about the Decent Group team 👉 https://lnkd.in/dM-CPtkx   #Careers #Apprenticeships #NAW2025

This month we discuss our gold standard maintenance programme which prevents the nightmare of server and backup failure, we cover a game-changing scheduling tool that we’ve build for one of our clients, we highlight an iPhone app that makes timesheets quick and accurate, and we ask: how well do your business systems work with other organisations’ systems? Click the banner to read on.

Cybersecurity is critical as cyber threats are constantly evolving. If you’re a FileMaker user and aren’t certain you have the latest security features, download our free security check now from our upgrade FileMaker page 👉 https://lnkd.in/e4Gm82sA Outdated FileMaker software leaves you vulnerable to evolving threats. Upgrade now for enterprise-grade protection, faster performance, and critical security updates. Don’t let your business data remain at risk. #CyberSecurity #BusinessTech #DataProtection #SMEs

Good data is everything for an ambitious business trying to keep track of its customers. But as you grow it’s easy for your data to get messy. The challenge one of our clients has – like many businesses – is lots of examples of multiple records for the same individual. Our developer Sameer Ale has built them a tool that will help them clean and clarify these records. They can pick a single record and Sameer’s tool tells them which other records appear to refer to the same person. It guides them through the process of creating a single record that includes all the data. The tool means they can clean data gradually over time rather than in one big, painful hit. It’s user friendly and easy to use too – a great example of the kinds of tools we build for our clients. “Messy data slows you down as a business,” says Sameer. “But the trouble is, cleaning it up can be a task you never have time for. I wanted to create a tool that makes it easy.” And he’s succeeded. If you’d like to know how we can help you transform your FileMaker system see here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eXz94uMN #Technology #Data #Development

Web portals are critical business infrastructure, but many portals face a growing risk caused by their ageing API – the technology used to connect web portals to #FileMaker system. If your portal was built before 2017, and in some cases since then, it may use the PHP API, but this is no longer supported by Claris, an Apple company and has been replaced by the FileMaker Data API. If your portal is using the PHP API it will continue to work – until you upgrade your FileMaker server or FileMaker version. Then it will stop working. Of course, you can simply avoid upgrading but your FileMaker system won’t receive security updates. The longer you leave it, the worse the issues get. There is a painless solution: move to the FileMaker Data API and upgrade to the latest version of FileMaker at the same time. We can even make improvements or fixes to your portal at the same time. All with the minimum of fuss. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/ejTzHd-5 #FileMaker #webportal #upgrade

We’ve been working with a washroom services business to update and extend their #FileMaker system. But instead of coming in, working intensively, improving the system, testing it and finishing, we’re doing it a little at a time. Over the months we have tackled one small problem after another and delivered change in bite-sized pieces. It’s a different way of doing things, but it works fine for us. As for the client, the monthly cost is a manageable operating expenditure, not a capital outlay. And it’s not only the cost that’s spread over time but also the risk. The system keeps working, there’s very little disruption, but it’s becoming more useful every month. If you’d like to do more with your existing FileMaker system read on 👉 https://lnkd.in/e6VVz-Rb #Claris #Filemaker #SmallSteps

Welcome to January’s Decent Group update. Dive into this month’s update for the latest news, perspectives, and insights. Discover the exciting projects we’re working on and catch up on all our latest initiatives.

How clear are your processes? Clearly defined processes enable teams to work efficiently and consistently without being overly bureaucratic. This is something good business system design supports. Which of the following applies most closely to your organisation? 🔴 Risky: There are some documented procedures/checklists, but operating processes are mainly folklore. 🟠 Good: Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) exist and are routinely updated. 🟢 Excellent: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are largely unnecessary because the system enforces the correct operating processes. If your processes aren’t as clear as they should be, or aren’t enforced by your system, talk to us. Our business is making simple, user-friendly systems that support clear, strong, reliable processes. Take our free business systems self-audit to be guided through this and other questions about whether your systems are supporting your business well 👉 https://lnkd.in/efYcSukk #BusinessSystems #Efficiency #Performance #Processes

Wishing our clients, followers and suppliers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🎁✨ Our offices will be open until Christmas Eve and then closed until Thursday 2 January. #Christmas #2025

✨ If you haven’t already, check out the magic of the Blackpool Illuminations, shining nightly until 5th January. 🌟 We’re excited to share our video, showcasing our collaboration with VisitBlackpool, the talented team behind the world-famous illuminations. In the video, we take a look at how we’ve supported them with: • A bespoke stock management system • An on-site lifting assessment and inspection app • Automation of the illuminations switch-on process Don’t miss out on this dazzling display of innovation and technology. 🎥 #BlackpoolIlluminations #TechInnovation #StockManagement #AppDevelopment #Automation #ChristmasLights #VisitBlackpool